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Australia
OVERVIEW:
This smaller camp is situated on the banks of an old oxbow lake near the Mara River, bordering a large waterhole attracting a wealth of wildlife.
ACCESS & LOCATION:
Little Governors’ feels less busy than Governors’, but it too is close to the bustling Musiara airstrip and Musiara gate – and as it is the launch site of morning hot air balloon safaris, the early hours are pretty congested. However, the location is ideal if you are planning to take a hot air balloon ride yourself! And the resident elephants are also a major draw.
Little Governors’ is accessed via a boat ride over the Mara River. Guests descend a flight of steep steps to the river, board a very modest ferry for the crossing, and disembark to ascend another flight of steep steps and to be escorted through riverine forest to camp. The absence of vehicles lends a relatively tranquil air.
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT LITTLE GOVERNOR'S CAMP:
Similarly to Governors’, the camp has a generously proportioned open-sided main tent with floor tiling, comfortable seating, and dining furniture inside and outside. The bar tent is positioned in the centre of camp and it has a very welcoming atmosphere. The camp’s shop stocks a range of practical items and curios, while the gallery houses a selection of guests’ photographs. As the property is unfenced, wildlife roams freely through camp. Elephants like to visit at lunchtimes, while a family of warthogs is often spotted trotting through!
The guest accommodation at Little Governors’ mirrors that of the larger camp, though all 17 tents here are classed as standard – there are no family units. All are spaced along the edge of the old lake, now marshland. Each is a good size, constructed on a concrete base and with a solid steel frame to support sturdy canvas walls. Two flysheets serve to protect guests from insects and strong sunlight. The floors are covered with wooden boards and a couple of rugs, and the beds are configured as either a double or twins. There are bedside tables, a compact dressing-table and chair, and two directors’ chairs on the veranda for guests to relax and take in the views! En-suite facilities are housed within each tent on an area with tiled flooring and wooden walls (half-height panels). Hot water is provided by a wood burner and power sockets produce electricity throughout the day and night.
ACTIVITIES AT LITTLE GOVERNOR'S CAMP:
Little Governors’ activities focus on viewing the local wildlife, with the camp’s manager discussing the next day’s itinerary with guests every evening.
- Game drives take place on the opposite side of the river, in the Musiara region of the reserve. This is a game-rich area, featuring the spectacular sight of the Great Migration from July to October, while all Big Five animals and a large assortment of other predators and herbivores can be sighted throughout the year!
- It is also possible to enjoy a hot air balloon safari – the launch site is a short distance from camp and this is an amazing opportunity to see the Maasai Mara from up high. Guests who like a little culture relish visiting the Maasai homestead of Mara Rianda, which is situated just outside the reserve.
- A day or overnight trip to the beautiful Island of Mfangano is perfect for getting away from the crowds!
*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.
